Robert Dale "Bob" Kelley

Robert Dale Kelley of Carbondale died of natural causes on Friday, December 16, in Ft. Myers, FL. Bob was the son of Herschel and Ruby Kelley, born July 28, 1923, in Marion, IL. He grew up in West Frankfort, graduating from West Frankfort High School in 1940. After attending SIU for a year he eloped with his high school sweetheart, Gerry Weaver. After happily establishing married life in St. Louis, Bob was drafted into the US Navy and served honorably through WWII aboard the USS Coffman, a destroyer escort. After the war he and Gerry and new daughter, Nancy, began life again in St. Louis. A few years later a son, Bill, joined the family and they returned to southern Illinois in Carbondale. Bob owned a gas station and the Western Auto store and was a salesman involved in automotive products for several years. Then he began a new career at the General Stores of SIU. Ten years later he became involved in local politics and served as the Carbondale Township Supervisor until retirement. He was a 32nd degree Freemason and past president of Carbondale Lion's Club. Bob was a member of the University Baptist Church in Carbondale. He was very involved as coach and fan in little league baseball with his son and grandsons. He enjoyed trips with family and friends to Gatlinburg, Mexico, Las Vegas, and other places. Bob was always a gentlemen and full of love for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his wife, Gerry. He is survived by daughter, Nancy (Chuck) Zimmerman of Mishawaka, IN; son, Bill (Cindy) Kelley of Carbondale; grandchildren Jenny Zimmerman; Don (Katie) Zimmerman of Mishawaka; Shaunna Kelley of Pompano Beach, FL; Bobby Kelley and Mark Kelley of Carbondale; and his very good friend, Doris Hofer of Ft. Myers, FL. He also leaves two sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews with happy memories. Funeral Services for Robert Dale Kelley will be Thursday, December 22, 2016 at 12:00 pm (noon) at Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home with Rev. John Annable officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 to the hour of service. Entombment will follow at the Pleasant Grove Memorial Park. Full Military honors will be accorded. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to University Baptist Church of Carbondale and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Robert Dale "Bob" Kelley

July 28, 1923 - December 16, 2016